I am going to get a M or MH moderate action for throwing cranks, jerk baits, and topwaters

What gear ratio could I get away with for all these techniques?

Something in the 6.4:1 ratio usually is good because it allows more versatility in the retrieve.

26-28 IPT for those techniques

Simple question - difficult answer.

 

With so many "technique specific" rods in the marketplace be sure to find one that is multi-purpose for the three techniques and baits you will be throwing.

 

Then note the rod's line and bait parameters and try to match them with your techniques when selecting a reel.

 

A 7:1 ratio is a fast retrieve.  Some pros suggest using this ratio as you can slow down your presentation or speed it up to bring the fish to you faster.

A 6:1 family of reels is what is used the most, depending on the waters you fish.

A 5:1 is very slow and some pros use this ratio for treble hook baits, especially crankbaits. However, more and more pros are updating to the 7:1 family of reel ratios to bring those big ones to the boat faster.

 

So to give you the "magic" ratio for your specific techniques is difficult as everyone, including the pros, have their own opinion on gear ratios and line types.

 

Try to discuss your reel needs with guys and gals who fish the waters you are fishing to get their input. I bet you will find out that they use a variety of reel ratios depending on what they are throwing and the four seasons of the year.

26-28 IPT for those techniques

Agreed. I like to use a faster reel with topwater and lipless cranks and a slower one for crankbaits and spinnerbaits. But if I were to use one reel for all techniques, the ipt would lay in this range.

I like the slower retrieves but If I was only to have one reel it would be a 6;4;1range .. And there's a ton of good reels out there... Good Luck

26-28 IPT for those techniques

This ^^^^^  reel gear ratio's vary depending on size of reel, spool dia, and make.  Some of my 7:1 reels have the same pick up as a 6:6.1.  

I like 7:1 on a crankbait I can slow down and still pick up line need on top and when using a jerkbait

Multi purpose. 6:1 with a 7 ft MH rod.

Sound like 3 different reels to me.... Sort of....

 

5.x:1 for cranks

6.x:1 for jerkbaits

7.x:1 for topwater

My variety reel is a c3 4600 size abu round reel with 12lb yo zuri on a 6'6" mh rod.also has a baitclicker i usr this setup for jigs,big plastics and saltwater rockfish,reds and catfish.it can do just about anything anywhere

I like high speed reels for just about everything and even cranks although I use a 6.4:1 for those. I use to subscribe to the 5.1:1 for cranks but when I had my reel tore down for cleaning and used a 6.4:1 for cranking that day, I honestly didn't struggle like I thought and I actually like it better, much easier to slow down than to speed up and the amount of torque lost is barely noticeable. Being that you are going with a rod to cover topwaters and jerkbaits along with cranks I'm going to say the faster reel is going to serve you better, especially when it comes to the jerkbaits as you will want a little more speed to reel up the slack you get in between rips.

26-28 IPT for those techniques

A little more is good too for faster moving fish.  Using a variety of different lure types on a single combo for me, not everything is retrieved with the same speed.  Many of my retrieves are done with moving the bait with my arm then reeling up slack, other lures are reeled in at a faster pace.  I adapt to me lure and technique.